Let me start off with a little background info about why I am studying abroad. As most of you know, I attend Illinois State University. I'm also a Presidential Scholar at ISU, and the program requires an international component in my studies. This means that we must either study abroad to country other than the United States for a semester (or longer), over the summer, or take classes at ISU pertaining to a specific region or country. Luckily, my schedule worked out so that I would be able to study abroad for a semester without falling behind on my coursework.
Once I realized that I could go abroad, the question of where to go began to weigh heavily upon me. Sweden, France, Japan, Ireland, the Netherlands... the list went on and on. Finally, after factoring in cost and practicality, I narrowed it down to Sweden and Taiwan. Both were exchange programs, meaning that they cost a lot less than other programs, and both had very enticing perks. With Sweden, I would be able to travel to Ireland, Scotland, and the rest of Europe cheaply, plus I had heard that the weather was pretty mild. On the other hand, I always wanted to learn Mandarin. Taiwan is also only a short (and cheap) flight away from my extended family in the Philippines, most of whom I haven't seen in almost 10 years. In the end, I chose and was accepted into the exchange program at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan. I will be taking a twice a week, part-time Mandarin course there as well as visiting both sides of my family in the Philippines over the course of the semester.
It has taken a while, but with my passport ready, my room at NCCU's International House confirmed and my luggage purchased and ready to be packed, the reality of the next five months is finally starting to hit me.
Til next time,
A
